About the Society

North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society

NESCGS is a group of like-minded classical guitar players based in Aberdeenshire who have come together to broaden the awareness, understanding and appreciation of the classical guitar in Aberdeenshire and the North East of Scotland.

The core activities of the society will be 'Society Nights' where members will be encouraged to perform solo and ensemble pieces, as well as participate in a guitar orchestra.

NESCGS aims to attract members of all abilities from Aberdeenshire and the north east of Scotland. We encourage players of any ability to come to our meetings where they will receive a warm welcome in an encouraging, uncompetitive environment.

Society Meetings

The Society usually meets twice monthly at Queen's Cross Church in Aberdeen.

There are opportunities to play solo for those who wish to, or join in with ensembles and the orchestra.

Periodically the society has invited speakers to the meetings, such as guitar luthiers or sellers.

Concerts and Workshops

Since the society's formation in 2005 we have hosted concerts by some renowned players including Allan Neave, Matt McAllister, Gary Ryan, Fiona Harrison and Pavel Steidl as well as upcoming Scottish players Ian Watt and Sean Shibe.

Each year we invite the winner of the NESCGS competition, held at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, to give a recital.

Many of these players have given us workshops too where we can improve our technique and ensemble playing.

The NESCGS is pleased to advise that Peter Stewart has become the society's new musical director.

Our first musical director, Conall MacKay decided to step down at the end of the last season. We owe him a huge debt of gratitude for taking a rag-tag bunch of guitarists and forming us into a tight and proficient guitar orchestra over his years at the helm.

Peter now brings an exceptional blend of skills and experiences that we feel will take the society's orchestra to the next level of musicianship and performance.

Ian Watt shall be performing at Kemnay Church Hall on Friday 16th September 2016 at 8.00pm.

Tickets at the door £10, concession £8, 16 and unders free when accompanied by an adult.

Born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland in 1991, Ian Watt first came to international attention when, at 18, he was awarded 2nd prize (silver medal) at the 2009 Parkening International Guitar Competition (USA), the world’s preeminent guitar competition. Since then, he has appeared as a soloist throughout Europe and world. To date, in addition to the UK, Watt has performed in the USA, China, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, France, Hungary, Ukraine, Denmark, Holland, Estonia, Norway and Belgium and as a concerto soloist with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia and Scottish Philharmonic Orchestra. Despite his youth, Watt is also increasingly in demand as a teacher, regularly giving masterclasses internationally, most recently in China (at the Central Conservatory in Beijing), Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

‘…he sounds completely at home whatever century or style he is playing in. He is technically assured, thoughtful, unpretentious…his phrasings, colours and characterisations are a match for anyone.’ – Music Web International, 2013

Pitmedden Music Festival is a family friendly charity festival of live music for all! Two days of eclectic music and entertainment, with something for ...everyone.

The festival is held on the National Trust for Scotland Pitmedden Garden Estate, only 16 miles from Aberdeen City Centre. There will be a programme of entertainment for all the family, with jazz, orchestra, rock and many more genres of music.

Matthew McAllister lead an all day workshop on Saturday 14th May from 9.00am till 5.00pm at Kemnay Church Hall.

There was a mixture of sessions throughout the day from technical work, masterclass and group ensemble. We focused on tunes that we are going to play in our performance concert that is to be held in 2 weeks. Matthew gave us some valuable instruction on how to improve on our performance.

Matthew McAllister is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and talented Classical Guitarists in Europe. Matthew has been delighting audiences worldwide with his insightful performances and effortless presentation in a concert career spanning well over a decade.

The North East Scotland Classical Guitar Society is pleased to be hosting a demonstration of top of-the-range classical guitars being given by DK Classical Guitars and local guitar virtuoso Ian Watt. DK Classical guitars offers the finest range of classical guitars in Scotland. They will bring their current range of guitars built by top makers from around the world to this event. After an overview of each guitar, Ian Watt will then give a demonstration on the guitar and contribute his views on it. All guitars will be available for purchase on the night.